[John PN]

Hi All-
I am a 48 year old man and have recently started attempting to educate myself in PN. In doing so I stumbled upon these forums. I have read many posts and will continue reading. They are a great source of information and support. I was dianosed with PN about 9 months ago ... although I think I have had it for many years (>10). I first notificed some numbness in between some toes more than 10 years ago.

Over the years I mentioned it to my GP a few times (when it began to expand in scope to all my toes and the front of my foot). When I was finally referred to a neurologist about a year ago now I began to realize that I did indeed have a problem. The vibration instrument she used provided me what a bit of a shock as to how much my ability to detect these sensations had diminished. She told me that she thought I had PN and that I should come back for some additional testing (primarily to rule out MS .. at least that was my understanding).

She also told me that I wouldn't like her after the addtional testing. When I finally came in for the follow up testing (almost 6 months later) she told me based on the results that she did not believe I had MS but that I did have peripheral neuropathy. I was too much in the dark at that point to even ask the right questions. I was just releaved to hear it was not MS .. but now I am thinking PN is not necessarily a better diagnosis. My condition seems to be symetric and is affecting both feet. No noticable involvement in my hands to date. I will say it seems to be progressing faster this past year although I am not sure why.
At any rate ... I have alot to learn. I would like to get a second opinion at some point. I would like to do whatever I can to slow the progression of this condition that I can. I also have questions about portability of disability insurance which is now a concern I have.

Thanks to those who give there time to creating and maintaining these forums. I look forward to participating in them.

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Did you have blood testing for IgM and other antibodies?
ANA?

Impaired glucose tolerance begins long before diabetes, so finding out your handling of glucose (including the LOWs) would be helpful.

Gluten intolerance also causes a PN. Avoidance of wheat/rye/barley may reveal this involvement.

Some PN is hereditary, and DNA testing may reveal that.

Low B12 (lab ranges in US continue to show lows as "normal")
may also be a culprit. You need to have this tested and see
if you are at 400 or above. Anything below that should be supplemented.

A slow insidious PN may also be due to low thyroid functions.

[(Broken Wings)]

Welcome

So sorry you have to deal with neuropathy. It is hard to live with.

There are things that might benefit you. It just takes time to learn about them and use them correctly so that we may get the best possible result for the effort.

Knowledge is empowering. So, keep asking questions.

I pray you find peace in your take.

[Rrae]

Welcome to NT!

You've come to a wonderful place of support and understanding!
You'll find many caring people here.
I'm sorry you are battling this very frustrating condition. Please come check out the Peripheral Neuropathy forum! It is LOADED with great information.
Here's the link to get you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=20

Make yourself right at home. Holler if you have any questions or need help in finding your way around.

Caring,
Rae

[Darlene]

John,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

So sorry to hear what you are going through at this time. Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.